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11 Under The Radar Restaurants In Cleveland That Are Scrumdiddlyumptious

With the sheer number of restaurants in Cleveland, there’s bound to be a few that fall just under the radar. Some of these are new kids on the block, and others have been popular for those in the know for five, ten, or twenty years. Some have remained under the radar because they’re so good no one wants to share the secret (sorry, everyone!), and some have just never received the recognition they truly deserve. These 11 restaurants may not steal the spotlight but they are, yes, scrumdiddlyumptious!

Often playing second fiddle to the wildly popular Barrio, Taco Tontos Lakewood is the second location, hailing from the college town of Kent, Ohio. And if anyone knows how to eat big and eat cheap, it' college kids. Taco Tontos have amazing (and original) tacos, as well as huge, delicious baked burritos. There's nothing else quite like it around. The house made sauces are to die for, and they also bake fresh desserts every day for your enjoyment. Address: 13321 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107

Located in a shopping plaza, behind a McDonalds, this little Chinese Vietnamese restaurant is truly under the radar. It used to be your average, underwhelming Chinese takeout spot, but after changing management, this place has been given a new life: an updated interior, and an updated menu that will knock your socks off. Many people claim they have the best bahn mi and pho in the city, plus all your basic favorites like spring rolls (fresh or fried). Address: 392 W Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017

Although you may think of stuffy British royalty when you think of tea, the only part of British culture in this cafe is that it is understated and under the radar. The tea selections are global, and the cool vibe is totally Cleveland. Find the perfect tea for the season or your mood, and sit down with a friend or a book. Indulge in all the charms of tea with a sweet snack. Address: 1434 W 29th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

In a city with so many great corned beef and sandwich options, its hard to stand out from the crowd. Danny's Deli is a relatively small player in the scene by publication and social media presence. But it's food is anything but! There are lines out the door even in the freezing winter weather, and the small dining area is always packed. The old-school sandwiches are huge and delicious. You can also treat yourself to some rich, sticky baklava for only 75 cents! Address: 1658 St Clair Ave NE, Cleveland, OH 44114

'Tis the season! The season for soup! The Souper Market is exactly what it sounds like: its super, its a market, and it's all soup (and salads)! The service is friendly and efficient, and the soups are consistently top of the game. Whether you have an old favorite or a new flavor, Souper Market will prove to you that soup is so much more than just an appetizer. The bread that comes with it would be worth a trip by itself. Also with locations in Lakewood, Kamm's Corners, and Ohio City, the address is: 7501 Carnegie Ave, Fairfax, OH 44103

La Plaza is a true hidden gem, right on the edge of Lakewood. The supermarket itself stocks aisles of imported Mexican produce, snacks, ingredients, and brands. There's also locally-made but truly authentic baked goods, as well as absolutely outstanding Mexican street food and meals. There's a small cafeteria-style deli in the back of the store, and grills outside. When they're open, they serve up the best authentic Mexican-style tacos in Cleveland. There's no Tex in this Mex, but play your cards right and there might be some cactus! Address: 13609 Lakewood Heights Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107

Some of the best, most loaded, and most underrated sandwiches around. They are as huge as the restaurant is tiny! These are not sandwiches to eat on the go in your lunch break - you will want to sit down with these bad boys. The only requirement is that whatever you get, you get chips on it. It will upgrade your whole experience. Address: 1848 W 25th St, Ohio City, OH 44113

There aren't many under-the-radar places left in Tremont, but Fat Cats is a neighborhood gem. It's popular among those already in the know, but you might never find it if someone didn't bring you into the fold. So consider this your official invitation to get to know this delicious little brunch/lunch/dinner spot. The food is modern American in the truest sense - it ranges from kimchi to calamari, from bao to burgers. Address: 2061 W 10th St, Tremont, OH 44113

This bakery/cafe serves up a menu of sweet and savory crepes, paninis, scones, salads, and baked goods. The real stars are the beautiful cakes and cookies - macarons, cupcakes, pies, and pastries. Homemade croissants and beautifully decorated sugar cookies make the perfect accompaniment to a latte on a cold winter day. A trip to Luna will be an instant upgrade to your Instagram feed. Address: 2482 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106

Masons is the quiet achiever of the Cleveland ice cream scene. Nestled in an unsuspecting corner of Ohio City, this tiny place looks like a shed that was taken over by a mad flavor scientist and a toy designer. Flavors like taro, matcha, honey cornbread, pandan, lavendar, and black sesame squid ink will expand your view of what ice cream can be. They also have occasional ramen pop-ups, so keep an eye out on social media. They also have one of the largest selections of vegan ice creams in town. Address: 4401 Bridge Ave, Ohio City, OH 44113

This place is not just under-the-radar, it's under ground! Located beneath the famous Grog Shop, this place does its location justice. A great selection of wines and beers, and a cocktail list to boot. They don't serve meals, but their cheese boards are perfect for a late-night post-dinner accompaniment to your wine. You can choose sweet or savory boards, and different kinds of cheeses to suit every palate and every wine. Address: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Coventry, OH 44106

Have you been to any of these spots? If you’re willing to reveal your secret spots, we’d love to hear about your favorite under the radar restaurants in the comments.